. >>> a big, scary cat terrifying residents in detroit. some scared to leave their homes. look at that thing. what is being done to find this giant feline. >> wow. >> my goodness. >> my goodness is right. welcome back to "early start." i'm pamela brown. >> i'm michaela pereira. 30 minutes past the hour. >>> could the u.s. be getting closer to getting involved in the syrian civil war? the assad regime used chemicals against his own people. there are many signs a time of dm diplomacy may be over. >> reporter: secretary of state john kerry issued a stinging indictment. >> what we saw in syria last week should shock the conscience of the world. it is undeniable. >> reporter: he accused syria of slaughtering. >> this international norm cannot be violated without consequences. >> reporter: it was an unmistakable message from the state house to the white house. >> this violation has to be taken very seriously. >> reporter: since last week's gas attack, the obama administration is punishing bashir al assad. the leading option officials say, tomahawk missiles aimed at destroying ch